15 compete for title of Carnation Festival queen

Grace Bates, 17, is a high school senior. She is the daughter of Angela and Brian Bates, of Alliance. Grace is sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate.

Grace was selected as an Alliance Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month and Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley. Her classmates elected her to student government positions for six consecutive years and chose her as the junior class representative to the student government last year. Grace is a two-year varsity letter winner in soccer and track.

Grace lists sports, student government, peer work and leadership activities as her favorite activities. She enjoys the TV show "How I Met Your Mother," the color yellow, the band One Direction, and bacon. If she could have any super power, Grace would pick super speed to avoid being late.

Grace would like to travel to Greece some day, "because it sounds like Grace."

"Running for Carnation queen was something I always looked forward to as a child and growing up," said Grace. "I want to use this opportunity to grow as a citizen of Alliance and learn more about our wonderful city."

Grace has attended Carnation Festival events for her entire life. She considers Days in the Park to be her favorite event because she "loves to see all the people together and having fun!"

While Grace considers the festival to be wonderful as it is, she said she would "totally make Days in the Park longer so I can have more deep-fried cheese on a stick."

"Although the significance of the carnation can be linked to President McKinley, Alliance being declared the 'Carnation City,' with the carnation being the state flower, can be shown as what a wonderful representation of Ohio Alliance is," explained Grace.

Grace's role model is her older sister, Ali, who acts as Grace's soccer and track coach. Grace said that Ali has always pushed her to be her best and helped her in school, all while teaching passing on valuable life lessons.

Grace describes herself as "enthusiastic" and "overwhelming." Her future plans are "to take over the world," while also maintaining a career in psychology.

Anissa Lautzenheiser, 17, is a senior at West Branch High School. She is the daughter of Dale and Joy Lautzenheiser, of Salem. Anissa is sponsored by Sarchione Auto Sales.

Anissa is a varsity letter winner in cheerleading and was nominated for Warrior Princess. She was also the co-chairman for the homecoming dance. Anissa is a member of National Honor Society and received second place for her cheer solo.

Cheerleading, reading, shopping, volunteering, foreign languages and working with autistic children are among Anissa's special interests. She hopes to travel to Paris, London, Barcelona, Venice, Berlin, Rome and Egypt in the future.

If Anissa was granted one super power, she would want to have the ability to read minds.

"I think it would be really cool to always know what people are thinking," she said.

Anissa considers her mother to be her role model.

"She has always been there for me and supported me in anything I choose to do, and I hope one day I can grow up to be just as great as she is," explained Anissa.

Anissa has been attending Carnation Festival events for the past 15 years. She enjoys the Carnation Queen Pageant the most because she loves seeing "all of the beautiful girls and dresses" and loves to see "who gets the honor of becoming queen." If given the chance to change something about the festival, she wouldn't.

Anissa enjoys Bruno Mars, the color pink, ice cream, and the TV show "Project Runway." She describes herself as "unique."

"I want to be a role model for people of all ages," said Anissa when asked why she would like to become Carnation queen.

Anissa considers the scarlet carnation to be significant because "it is Ohio's state flower and Alliance became declared the Carnation City through a joint resolution of the State House of Representatives and the Senate."

In the future, Anissa would like to go to college to study French, Russian and Arabic to become a translator.

Allie Austin, 19, is a sophomore at Ohio University. She is the daughter of Russell and Diana Austin of Alliance and is sponsored by Mac Trailer Manufacturing.

Allie has been on the Honor Roll, won choir awards, and was a junior homecoming attendant. Her hobbies include writing music, singing, playing the guitar, working out and volunteering at the Humane Society. Her favorite show is "Project Runway" and her favorite band is Bastille. Allie also enjoys sushi and the color teal.

If Allie could have any superpower, she would like to fly.

"I could go wherever I want to go at any time," she said.

Allie would like to travel all over Europe, but would especially like to see France.

Allie has been attending the Carnation Festival since she was a baby and said that the Pet Show was her favorite event.

"I am very passionate about animals, so I love to see people come together for them," said Allie. "In 2006, my dog, who has now passed, won Best of Show."

If she could change anything about the festival, Allie would add more events for young people, like dances or a junior pageant.

Allie's role model is her grandmother.

"She is the strongest woman I know. She had a very hard life and she is now battling a tough illness," said Allie. "However, she is always smiling and optimistic."

Allie also describes herself as "optimistic."

To Allie, the scarlet carnation is a symbol of Alliance, the state of Ohio, and President McKinley.

"The flower was germinated by an Alliance resident, which then was always worn by President McKinley. Now it is our state flower and the reason we are called the Carnation City," explained Allie.

Allie wants to be Carnation queen to "enhance her knowledge of the city, make new friends, have the experience of a lifetime, and have the opportunity to represent Alliance."

In the future, Allie hopes to graduate from Ohio University with a degree in French and a minor in music, travel, get a good job, and rescue a lot of animals.

Rachael Murphy, 18, is a freshman at Kent State University. She is the daughter of Eva Murphy and Jerry Murphy and is the stepdaughter of Carl Binius. Rachael's family lives in Beloit. Rachael is sponsored by Don Pancho's Tex-Mex Cafe.

Rachael's accomplishments include National Honor Society, awards in theater and Solo and Ensemble, Young and Alive, the Krizay Scholarship, and being a delegate to the NBC Leadership Conference. Her interests include theater, singing, reading and fashion.

"I believe I have what it takes to be a good role model and show girls that it's OK to be yourself and that if you have a goal you have to work for it," said Rachael of her reason for entering the pageant. "Also, I believe that in anything you do, the most important thing is how much you give back. I want to be queen so I can have the opportunity to give back to the city that has given me a lifetime of opportunities."

To Rachael, the scarlet carnation is special because it is the official state flower of Ohio and is sentimentally associated with President McKinley.

"It symbolizes friendship and unity in times of competition," said Rachael.

Rachael has been attending the Carnation Festival for her entire life and considers the Carnation Queen Pageant and Days in the Park to be her favorite events. "I love Days in the Park because it's like a reunion for the community members and it's nice seeing people you haven't see in a while," said Rachael. "I love the pageant because it's so glamorous!"

If she could change anything about the festival, Rachael would organize a pageant for the community's men so "they have a chance at this awesome experience."

Patti Shaefer is Rachael's role model because she taught Rachael to have confidence in herself. Rachael considers Shaefer to be "an exceptional role model for any girl to look up to."

Rachael enjoys the show "Pretty Little Liars," the color pink, Mexican food and pizza. Her favorite musicians are Birdy and Mumford & Sons. If she could have any super power, Rachael would want to teleport. Rachael would like to travel all over the world.

At Kent State, Rachael hopes to major in fashion merchandising and minor in marketing.

Sarah Bowe, 17, is a senior at Marlington High School. She is the daughter of Martin and Regina Bowe, of Alliance. Sarah is sponsored by Tanner Real Estate.

Sarah is first in her class, class president, a Buckeye Girls State delegate, National Honor Society president, vice president of Interaet, and a recipient of the cirtificat d'honneur. Her interests include art, drawing, soccer, and women's rights.

Sarah wants to be the Carnation queen "to make my grandmother even prouder of me and be a role model and inspiration to the young girls of the Alliance community."

The Carnation Queen Pageant is Sarah's favorite event because she enjoys cheering on candidates that she knows and hearing what the girls have to say.

Sarah has been attending the Carnation Festival since she moved to Alliance 10 years ago. She would change "absolutely nothing" about the festival because she already thinks Alliance goes "above and beyond."

"The significance of the scarlet carnation is that it originated in our little city of Alliance, yet became the trademark of McKinley," said Sarah.

Sarah's favorite TV show is "The Big Bang Theory." She also enjoys the color blue, salmon patties, and Justin Timberlake's music. Someday, Sarah would like to travel to Greece.

Sarah's most wished-for super power is the ability to apparate like the characters in Harry Potter, because it would allow her to travel anywhere in an instant.

"My role model is my father because he is the hardest working person I know," said Sarah. "I've watched him climb the ladder from IT director to superintendent of Perry Local Schools, and I've watched all the ways in which he's put people first before himself."

In the future, Sarah plans to attend The Ohio State University to study neuroscience. She describes herself as "ambitious."

McKenna Monath, 18, is a freshman at Kent State Stark and a 2014 Marlington High School graduate. She is the daughter of Jim and Tami Monath, of Alliance. McKenna is sponsored by Bio-Scene Recovery.

McKenna's accomplishments include honor roll, merit roll, choir awards and employee of the month. Her hobby is fishing.

If McKenna could have any super power, she would want to fly.

"I've always loved flying in an airplane; it's a way to feel free," explained McKenna.

Given the chance to go anywhere, McKenna would travel to Hawaii because she loves warm weather and the ocean.

McKenna has been a regular at Carnation Festival events for her whole life. Her favorite event is Days in the Park.

"There is so much to do, and it's always fun. And who could pass up the food?" McKenna said.

If McKenna could change one thing about the festival, she would make the Rib Fest longer. McKenna considers the scarlet carnation to be special because it is the Ohio state flower and gives Alliance its nickname.

"I want to be a positive role model for the city I grew up in," said McKenna of her candidacy for Carnation queen.

McKenna enjoys "The Walking Dead," the color purple, seafood, and the musicians 'N Sync, Lorde, and Tim McGraw. She describes herself as "caring." McKenna's role model is her sister.

"She is my big sister and I've looked up to her my whole life," said McKenna. "I can always count on her."

When she begins classes at Kent State Stark this fall, McKenna will major in criminal justice.

Tori Reeves, 17, is a freshman at Walsh University and a 2014 graduate of Marlington High School. She is the daughter of Wendy and John Reeves, of Louisville. Tori is sponsored by Alliance Grinders Above and Beyond.

Tori served as class vice president and National Honor Society vice president. She was also a Buckeye Girls State delegate, Scholar Athlete, MVP, and team captain, and she was in the top 10 percent. Tori's interests include running, singing, reading, and being with family and friends.

Tori enjoys watching the History Channel and TLC, the color green, fruit, and the band One Republic. She thinks of herself as "enduring."

If she could choose a super power, Tori would want the ability to fly. She would especially like to travel to Europe.

"Countries like Italy and Ireland are so beautiful and diverse," said Tori.

Tori has been attending Carnation Festival events for the last five years. Her favorite event is Days in the Park, because it has many activities that bring the community together. However, Tori thinks the events should be advertised more so more residents can "experience the activities."

To Tori, the scarlet carnation is more than a reminder of President McKinley.

"The carnation symbolizes the rich history of the city of Alliance, and also the growing, bright future of the city," she explained.

Tori's role model is her aunt, Anne Gress.

"She is kind, patient, and hard working," said Tori. "She truly cares about people and continuously helps others."

Tori hopes to be the Carnation queen to represent Alliance and to be a role model to the city's women.

At Walsh University, Tori will study biology with a pre-physical therapy concentration.

Alexandra Harper, 17, is enrolled in the Aultman School of Nursing and is a 2014 graduate of Central Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Aimee and Thomas Harper of Alliance. Alexandra is sponsored by Sunbeam Tanning Salon.

Alexandra's accomplishments include going to the national softball tournament. The Central Catholic High School team placed seventh out of 45. Alexandra also received presidential awards.

Alexandra enjoys playing softball, singing, playing piano, photography, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite color is sparkles, her favorite food is hot dogs, and she likes to watch anything on the Discovery Health Channel. Alexandra describes herself as "passionate."

Taylor Swift is Alexandra's favorite singer "because she is a great role model."

If Alexandra could travel anywhere, she would go to Zimbabwe as a missionary or to France because she loves "speaking the beautiful language."

Alexandra has been going to Carnation Festival Events since she was a child. Her favorite event is Days in the Park "because of the live music, the yummy greasy fair food, and being able to see old friends to talk and catch up with."

Alexandra would like to add more attractions for people of all ages to the festival.

The scarlet carnation is significant to Alexandra because "it was developed in our city and now it is represented as our wonderful city and state. It is now for the world to enjoy thanks to President McKinley."

Alexandra wants to be the Carnation queen because she wants to represent the city in a "moral and positive manner."

"Besides wearing the beautiful crown, I want to be a role model for anyone who will be the future queen," Alexandra said.

Alexandra's role model is her grandmother.

"My grandmother is my number one role model because she is the greatest combination of things -- kind, caring and affectionate, forgiving, and a best friend," explained Alexandra. "I hope one day to even be half of who she was as a wife, mother, grandma and friend."

If Alexandra could choose one super power, she would like to read minds so she could help anyone who needed a friend but didn't know how to reach out.

Alexandra's future plans are to finish her two-year program at Aultman Nursing School and become an RN. She would then like to immediately go on to get her BSN and eventually become a nurse practitioner.

Skylar Busche, 17, is a senior at West Branch High School. She is the daughter of Seth Busche and Tara Dorsey, of Alliance. Skylar is sponsored by Cat Fanciers' Association.

Among Skylar's achievements are being an NBC Scholar-Athlete, a varsity soccer player, and a member of National Honor Society. She has also earned a place on the merit roll.

Skylar's hobbies are playing soccer, spending time with her peers, mudding, shopping, playing with her dogs, and being outside.

Given the choice of super powers, Skylar would want the power to heal.

"That way, I would never have a hurt or sick loved one," explained Skylar. "I would be able to heal sick children who don't deserve to be sick."

Skylar's favorite musical artists are Paramore and Tim McGraw. She also enjoys the TV shows "Golden Girls" and "Family Feud," the color sky blue, and sushi.

"One day I would love to travel to Israel and see all the Biblical history there," said Skylar of her travel ambitions.

Skylar has been attending Carnation Festival events for seven years. Her favorite event is the Grand Parade because it kicks off her favorite day of events.

"Everyone in the community gets to come together and see all of the pageant candidates and the previous year's winners. It's just an exciting time," said Skylar.

Skylar thinks the festival board "does a fantastic job" planning the festival events. She wouldn't change a thing about the festival even if she could.

"I want to be Carnation queen because I couldn't think of a better way to represent the city of Alliance and be an example to the young children of the community," explained Skylar. "I love the city of Alliance as my father does, and I want to be like him to make it a better place for everyone."

To Skylar, the scarlet carnation represents "the history throughout Alliance. It represents President McKinley and his relationship with Dr. Lamborn."

Skylar's role model is her grandmother.

"She's one of the happiest people that I know. She's strong and so kind hearted," Skylar said. "I've looked up to her my entire life. A big part of who I am today is because of her."

Skylar's future plans are to attend a four-year university after graduating high school. She hopes to go into the medical field as a cardiologist.

Skylar describes herself as "thoughtful."

Stacy Kent, 20, is a sophomore at the University of Mount Union. She is the daughter of Kim and David Kent, of Alliance. Stacy is sponsored by Heggy's.

Among her accomplishments, Stacy lists being the winter sports queen and an NBC Scholar-Athlete. She also took fifth place at the Ohio State Cheerleading Competition. Stacy's hobbies are boating, volunteering, dancing and traveling.

Stacy's most desired travel destination is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand.

If Stacy could have any super power, she would want to have the ability to teleport.

"That way, I could travel more and I wouldn't have to worry about being late," said Stacy.

Stacy's favorite show is "Friends," and her favorite musician is Luke Bryan. Her favorite color is pink and her favorite food is tuna casserole.

Stacy has been attending Carnation Festival events for her whole life. Her favorite events are Days in the Park and the fireworks.

"I enjoy socializing with the community over food and fireworks," explained Stacy.

If Stacy could change anything about the festival, she would add more events to get teenagers involved.

Stacy wants to be the Carnation queen "to get more involved with the community and become a role model to young kids in the community."

Stacy thinks the scarlet carnation is significant because of the role it played in Alliance's history.

"It represents the respect after Dr. Lamborn presented one to his opponent McKinley before a debate," explained Stacy.

Stacy's role model is her sister.

"She has the drive to better herself and everyone around her," said Stacy. "She is caring, smart and fun to be around."

Stacy's future plans are to finish her undergraduate degree in civil engineering, become a licensed engineer, and travel.

"Ambitious" is the word Stacy chose to describe herself.

Kelby Smith, 19, is a 2014 graduate of Alliance High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall. She is the daughter of Kenny and Lisa Smith, of Alliance. Kelby is sponsored by Curls Salon.

Kelby's accomplishments are being in the top 10 percent of her graduating class, receiving an honors diploma, National Honor Society, varsity scholar for volleyball, a four-year Spanish Academic Excellence Award, an honorable mention for the 2014 Stark County High School Art Exhibition, and 2013 homecoming queen. Her hobbies are painting, drawing, volleyball, baking and playing the cello.

Kelby enjoys the show "Project Runway," the color fuchsia, Asian food, and the band Coldplay. If she could have any super power, she would want to have the ability to transform into any person or animal.

"It would be fun to experience the world through another living person (or) creature's perspective," said Kelby.

Kelby would like to travel to Italy because she is interested in art.

"Many artistic traditions have been established there," said Kelby. "Italy's rich culture offers a variety of mosaics, paintings, and sculptures."

Kelby has been attending the Carnation Festival for about 13 years. Her favorite event is the Balloon Lift-Off because she has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon.

If she could make an addition to the festival, Kelby would create an event similar to "America's Got Talent" to allow Carnation City residents to show off their unique skills.

To Kelby, the scarlet carnation represents the growth of the city, its history, and Alliance's unique association with a United States president.

"I want to be the Carnation queen so that I could be a positive role model for the city of Alliance and experience all the opportunities it would provide," said Kelby.

Kelby will major in art and design at Virginia Commonwealth University. She would like to be an art director some day.

Alliance High School art teacher Erin Wozniak is Kelby's role model.

Throughout high school she has not only helped me develop my skills, but has truly inspired me to be the best artist I can be," explained Kelby. "I appreciate her talent and the dedication she has put into challenging my diligence and creative process."

Kelby describes herself as "ambitious."

Sierra Lacivita, 18, is a freshman at the University of Mount Union. She is the daughter of Sunny and Larry Lacivita, of Sebring. Sierra is sponsored by McCrea Manor.

Sierra's hobbies include reading, writing stories, singing and dancing. Her favorite show is "Gilmore Girls," her favorite colors are pink and Tiffany blue, and her favorite food is baked ziti. Sierra's favorite musicians are Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift.

If Sierra could have any super power, she would choose teleportation.

"I would want that because I have always had a desire to travel the world," said Sierra. "That would just make it easier."

Of all the places in the world, Sierra would like to travel to Paris.

"I have always had a desire to travel to France and see the Eiffel Tower, all the museums, and the lavender gardens," said Sierra.

Sierra has been going to the Carnation Festival for "all of (her) 18 years." She is unable to choose a favorite event.

"Every event has given me a special memory and holds a special place in my heart," explained Sierra.

Sierra describes herself as a "dreamer," but she wouldn't dream of changing anything about the Carnation Festival.

"I couldn't imagine changing anything because I love it all so much," said Sierra. "But if I had to change something I would want to make the festival a week longer and add more activities."

"I know what a great feeling it is to have someone look up to you," said Sierra of her desire to be Carnation Queen. "I would love to be a role model for all the wonderful girls in this community and give them a positive influence for them to look up to and encourage other girls to try out for this wonderful pageant."

Audrey Hepburn is Sierra's role model.

"Audrey portrayed herself as an elegant and classy woman," said Sierra. "She always lived by the philosophy of putting others before herself. She was a hard-working humanitarian and she is the type of woman I strive to be."

Sierra will begin her studies at Mount Union in the fall. She hopes to double-major in French and English and double-minor in writing and multi-age education. She plans to move to France to be a teacher and spend her summers traveling the world and writing novels. Sierra would also like to open a summer camp for foster children someday.

Lexington Pittman, 17, is a senior at West Branch High School. She is the daughter of Tamara Pittman and Steve Frank of Salem. Lexington is sponsored by Tailgater's Sports Bar and Grill.

Lexington lists National Honor Society, 2013 NBC Leadership Conference, three years as a letter winner in track, two years as a letter winner in volleyball, 2015 ambassador for Dunlap photography, NBC honorable mention for track, and being an alternate delegate for Girls State among her accomplishments.

Lexington's hobbies include running, spending time with friends and family, volleyball, swimming, and working out.

If Lexington could have any super power, she would choose time travel.

"I am interested in how the world has changed over the decades and how people have adapted," explained Lexington.

Lexington's favorite show is "The Voice," and her favorite musician is Lee Brice. She likes the color red and fruit.

Lexington would like to travel to Sydney, Australia to see the Sydney Opera House lit up at night.

The Rib Fest and fireworks are Lexington's favorite Carnation Festival events, "because ribs are delicious and who doesn't love fireworks?" She has been attending Carnation Festival events for as long as she can remember.

"I wouldn't want to change anything about the festival because I feel it has a wide variety of activities for all ages," said Lexington.

Lexington thinks the scarlet carnation represents Alliance and symbolizes the history that made Alliance the Carnation City.

"I want to be the Carnation Queen to represent Alliance in the great way that previous queens have and to stand as a great role model to future queens," Lexington added.

Lexington's role model is her father, because "he always finds the positive in every situation. He helps me through good times and bad and is a hard worker at everything he does."

Lexington describes herself as "adventurous." She hopes to attend a large state university and major in business.

Jillian Kay Fraraccio, 17, is a freshman at Stark State and a 2014 graduate of West Branch. She is the daughter of Jennifer Fraraccio of Sebring. Jillian is sponsored by Frank's Family Restaurant.

Jillian has completed two years of dual credit in the Intensive Business Education Program at West Branch. Her hobbies include fashion, music, concerts, softball, campfires, volunteering and swimming.

Jillian enjoys the TV show "Pretty Little Liars," musicians Thomas Rhett and Chase Rice, the color crystal blue, and Japanese-Itibachi style sushi. She would like to be able to read minds to be better able to understand people.

If she could go anywhere in the world, Jillian would choose Italy because she wants to experience the culture, food, history, art and churches while seeing where her family came from.

"I aspire to be the Carnation Queen because it would be an honor to represent the city," said Jillian, "Also, (I want) to be a positive role model, meet new people, and show what the city has to offer."

Jillian has been attending Carnation Festival events since she was a baby. Her favorite event is Days in the Park.

"It's something that brings everyone together to catch up and has entertainment, good food, and something available for everyone," said Jillian.

Jillian wouldn't change anything about the festival because she feels that it offers activities for all ages and brings people together as a community.

To Jillian, the scarlet carnation is "its strong meaning and connection to the city of Alliance."

Jillian's role model is her grandfather Gregory Fraraccio.

"In my eyes he was my number one fan and always supported me through his motivation. This keeps me going everyday because I know how much he loved and cared about me," said Jillian.

Jillian's future plans are to earn a medical degree from Stark State. She describes herself as "easy going."

Myesha Weatherspoon, 18, is a college freshman. She is the daughter of Tanisha Thomas of Alliance. Myesha is sponsored by Wally Armour.

Myesha's interests include competitive dance and psychology. Her favorite television show is "Taboo," her favorite color is red, and her favorite food is churros. Fall Out Boy is Myesha's favorite band.

If Myesha could choose any super power, she would choose the power of healing.

"No one deserves pain," explained Myesha.

"I would love to travel to India," said Myesha of her travel fantasies, "The culture and customs are so beautiful."

Myesha has been attending Carnation Festival events for 18 years. Her favorite event is the Grand Parade.

"The Grand Parade is my favorite because I enjoy the sassiness and creativity that goes into the floats," Myesha said.

Myesha would not change anything about the festival.

"I love and look forward to it as is," she said.

To Myesha, the scarlet carnation is significant because of its associations with McKinley and Lamborn.

"Wearing a carnation was a trend passed from Dr. Lamborn passed to President McKinley," Myesha explained.

"All the new learning experiences and life lessons you encounter along the way are priceless," said Myesha of her quest for the Carnation queen crown, "What better way to express how proud I am to (have) been born here?"

Myesha's role model is her mother.

"She is the strongest, most determined woman I know," said Myesha. "(She) always put me and my brother first."